NHS needs random drug testing

My name is David Sanford; I am currently enrolled at The Ohio State University, and will graduate in the spring of 2008 with a Bachelor's degree in Geomatics Engineering.

I graduated from Norwalk High School in 2001 with Honors. There was an obvious problem with drugs and alcohol when I was in high school, and the problem has become shockingly more serious today than it ever was six years ago. The availability of drugs and alcohol has increased, and the means to prevent students from engaging in these illegal activities has stayed the same, and even been ignored.

When I began attending Norwalk High School, I knew many students and athletes that used drugs and alcohol while being part of an extracurricular activity. I was one of them. Had there been a threat of random drug testing in place, I would not have used drugs or alcohol at NHS. Prior to attending high school in Norwalk, I went to a high school in California where I was drug tested for being part of the soccer team, and I remained abstinent from drugs and alcohol.

It's time for Norwalk to get with the times and follow the lead of other intelligent school systems, and provide drug-free extracurricular activities. This life saving proposal should not become a political issue. Leave the politics at the doorsteps. Do the right thing and institute this program immediately. This program is not punitive in nature; drug testing is present throughout life outside of high school. If you want productive employment, pass the drug test. If you want the privilege of being in organized school activities, pass the drug test or be willing.

To the Norwalk School Board: You have heard from current students, past students as well as parents. They have all shared the truth. We have a drug and alcohol problem, Huron County has a problem, and what you have done in the past has not gotten the job done. It is my sincere hope that the administration, teachers and school board will approve this immediately. Random drug testing is a must.